Trump and Melania Continue White House Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon Tradition

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump carried on the time-honored White House tradition of pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys on Tuesday, sparing two birds — Gobble and Waddle — from becoming part of the holiday feast. The event, held in the Rose Garden, marks the 78th official presidential turkey pardon, a lighthearted ceremony that has become a staple of the Thanksgiving season.

This year’s turkeys, both weighing more than 50 pounds, were raised in North Carolina specifically for the occasion. Prior to the pardon, the birds stayed at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., enjoying a luxurious short-term “vacation” before their ceremonial reprieve. Only Gobble made a public appearance at the ceremony, but both birds received the official pardon.

During the ceremony, President Trump addressed the gathered crowd with his signature blend of humor and political commentary. He joked about renaming the turkeys “Chuck and Nancy,” referencing political rivals, while emphasizing that these birds, unlike politicians, would be spared from harm. The tone of the event balanced festive cheer with subtle political barbs, keeping the audience entertained.

The tradition of presenting turkeys to the president dates back to the 1940s, but it was President George H.W. Bush in 1989 who formalized the “pardon” aspect. Since then, presidents have spared at least one turkey annually, turning the ritual into a media-friendly event that blends ceremony with a touch of whimsy.

After the pardon, Gobble and Waddle will retire to a poultry science facility in North Carolina, where they will live out the remainder of their lives under careful supervision. Their safe passage symbolizes the lighter side of the holiday and serves as a small reprieve from the often intense political and public life surrounding the White House.

Beyond its playful nature, the turkey pardon ceremony highlights the president’s engagement with American cultural traditions. The event fosters a sense of continuity, connecting the White House to the public through a shared celebration of Thanksgiving customs. For many Americans, the turkey pardon is a moment of levity during the busy holiday season, offering a charming spectacle amid the usual political coverage.

Following the ceremony, the Trumps were expected to depart for their Florida estate, continuing family-focused Thanksgiving celebrations. While the turkeys avoid the dinner table, the event itself continues to provide enduring photo opportunities and media attention, reinforcing its place as a cherished White House tradition.

In short, Gobble and Waddle are spared once again, and the White House continues its annual gesture of humor, tradition, and holiday spirit, offering Americans a festive story to enjoy alongside their Thanksgiving meals.

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